Lakers-Timberwolves Preview

Staples Center will host a showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers currently hold a 12-13 record and have shown signs of being both a good and bad team this season. Entering the game with a 13-13 record, the Timberwolves have been mediocre this year. This game is slated to start at 10:30 pm EST and it will be covered by ESPN, FSN-N and TWC SN.

The Lakers come into today's game after topping Memphis, 96-92. With 21 points on nine for 12 shooting, Pau Gasol was the game's leading scorer. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, are coming off a win over the Trail Blazers, 120-109. Kevin Love was one of the leaders, accounting for 29 points and 15 rebounds to claim his 23rd double-double of the season. This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Timberwolves winning the first matchup, 113-90. Steve Blake had a standout performance with 19 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 5 3PM in the loss.

Points at the line might be difficult to come by for Los Angeles in this contest. They are 26th in the league in FTA rate (24.9), while Minnesota is among the league's least foul-prone teams (allowing a FTA rate of just 20.4, first in the NBA).